On Sunday afternoon, November 16th, 2008, friends and family of Hayden
Carruth gathered at the Chapel at the Vermont College of Fine Arts for a
memorial service in his honor. The late poet lived in Johnson throughout
the ’60s and ’70s and his thoughtful, often wry observations define the
landscape and people of rural Vermont – as much as his writings are
shaped by them. Whether the topic is chicken farming, chainsaws, mental
illness, or a favorite subject – jazz – Carruth’s rich poetic voice is the uncompromising expression of the human experience.
In 2002, then-Governor Howard Dean declared November 12th "Hayden
Carruth" Day, and reading events were held through the state in
Carruth’s honor. VPR’s Betty Smith was in the audience at the State
House that evening, as notable poets from all over the region joined Carruth
in reading his poetry. On Sunday evening, November 16th, at 7:30 VPR aired excerpts from that event in a half-hour special, "A Tribute to Hayden Carruth". (Hosted by Betty Smith; produced by Cheryl Willoughby)